Staying hydrated

For optimal health, it is vital to drink a minimum of 2L of water every day. In the heart of summer, it’s even more vital that we keep properly hydrated. Over the next month we’ll look at some tips for maximising your water intake.

The key here is to drink at least 2L of alkaline water, not any fluid. Many common beverages, such as coffee, actually have a dehydrating effect on the body. So what fluids you drink are just as important as how much you drink for optimal health.

Why is drinking so much water important?

Our bodies are largely composed of water, and alkaline water at that. That water is used to neutralize toxins (acids) and flush them out of our bodies We lose 2.5 – 3 L of fluid a day during our normal function – breathing, sweating, urinating, and so on – and even more so when it is hot or we exercise. If that water isn’t replaced every day, we get dehydrated. Once you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

A 2% drop in body water results in a measurable decrease in physical performance; your body becomes too acidic and goes into preservation (fat storing mode). It’s not unusual to lose 2% of your body water during an average hour of exercise.

A 3% drop in water causes a 10% drop in muscle strength and 8% drop in speed.

A 4% drop in water causes dizziness, and a reduction of your capacity for physical labour of up to 30%

A 5% drop in body water will cause problems with concentration, drowsiness, impatience, and headaches.

A 6% drop in body water can cause your heart to race and your body’s temperature regulation to go out of whack.

A 7% drop in body water could cause you to collapse.

Tips for keeping hydrated

Drinking enough water each day can be easier said than done; I’ve certainly put out a full water bottle on my desk, only to get so caught up in my day that by the end of the day it is still there untouched! Getting enough water may require planning, such as:

Setting reminders on your computer or phone to stop what you are doing and drink some water

Having appropriately sized water bottles with you at home, work and while out about about

Keeping a supply of chilled water or ice blocks at home during warmer months to encourage consumption of water

Over the next month we’ll look in more depth at how to maximise the volume and quality of water that you drink, including reviews of a variety of water bottles and different methods of alkalizing your water.

How do you keep adequately hydrated? (Log in to Facebook to comment!)

Simone Collins

A keen musician with two science degrees, Simone Collins followed her heart to a career in natural health in 2003.
Simone is the owner of Totally Sound Health, and is passionate about empowering others to take charge of their own health rather than becoming dependent on a therapist to fix them.
Simone is also a mum to two beautiful girls.